Common Japanese Phrases for Travelers

Whether dodging traffic in Tokyo or eating your way through Osaka, knowing some common Japanese phrases before you go is a must. A land known for honor, Japanese people will bestow kindness and generosity when you try your hand at speaking these common Japanese phrases. AOL Travel gives you a leg up with the top 15 common Japanese phrases that will no doubt help you when paying your respects in Hiroshima or indulging your spiritual side in Kyoto. Yoi riôko o!

Must Know Travel Terms

Common Japanese Phrases

Phrase Pronunciation

Hello

Konnichiwa

"koh-nee-chi-wah"

Goodbye

Sayonara

"sy-o-nara"

Yes

Hai

"hi"

No

Iie

"ee-yay"

Please

Onegai shimasu

"o-nay-guy shi-mas"

Thank You

Arigatoo gozaimasu

"ar-ee-gah-toh go-zai-mas"

Excuse Me

Sumimasen

"sumi-ma-sen"

Do you speak English?

Eigo o hanashimasuka?

"eh-go o hana-shi-maska"

Help me

Tasukete

"tah-zu-kuteh"

I don't know

Shirimasen

"sh-rey mas-en"

How much is it?

Ikura desu ka?

"ee-kura des-ka"

Which way is it?

Dokira desu ka??

"do-key-ra des-ka"

bathroom/restaurant/hotel

o tearai wa/shokudo/hoteru

"o te-rai o-wah/sho-ku-do/hote-ru"

Taxi, please.

Takushii onegai shimasu

"ta-ku-she o-nay-guy shi-mas"

Doctor, please

Ihaku onegai shimasu

"i-ha-ku o-nay-guy shi-mas"

Before you hit the slopes in Sapporo or decide which train to catch in Yokohama, make sure you've got a handful of common Japanese phrases available to get around. These common Japanese phrases, when used as a cheat sheet, may offer more insight into industrial center that is Nagoya, the modern quaintness of Fukuoka and navigating the steep hills of Nagasaki. If you're ready to try your hand at more common Japanese phrases not outlined here, you can find Japanese phrase books to help. True understanding of the incredible country that is Japan means interacting with its glorious people. Knowing key common Japanese phrases will certainly to break the ice.